Jump to content

Search the Community

Showing results for tags 'Revelation'.

  • Search By Tags

    Type tags separated by commas.
  • Search By Author

Content Type


Forums

  • Christian Discussions
    • Study Group
    • General Discussion
    • Bible Study
    • Theology
    • Apologetics
    • Prophecy
    • Do you want to just ask a question?
    • Christian Culture
    • Everything Else
  • Videos
    • General
    • News
    • Comedy
    • Biblical Topics
    • Christian Music
  • Current News
    • Most Interesting News Developments
    • Worthy Briefs
    • World News
    • Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
    • U.S. News
    • Christian News
    • Worthy Watch / Worthy Insights
  • Worthy Ministries
    • Worthy Devotions
    • What's the latest with the Worthy Ministries?
  • Who's on the Lord side?'s Topics
  • Cooking club's Smokers & related recipes/techniques
  • Cooking club's What's your favorite recipe?
  • Cooking club's Salads - not just lettuce!
  • Cooking club's Soups and Stews
  • Cooking club's About Multi-cookers - features, tips, recipes
  • Cooking club's Taters!
  • Cooking club's Bread
  • Gardening.'s Gardening Club Forum
  • Photography How To (tips and tricks)'s Photography Club Topics
  • Maker's Club's Club News
  • Maker's Club's So, what do you make, what have you made?
  • Maker's Club's Physical Art, specifically!
  • Maker's Club's Life hacks & tips - useful things you know & have tried!
  • Bible 365's Misc. Things of interest
  • Bible 365's THE DAILY READING (see reading schedule)
  • Bible 365's Todays' Reading
  • Bible 365's Recently added or updated
  • Bible 365's Bible Trivia
  • Bible 365's Table of Contents
  • Bible 365's Tightly Moderated Discussions-Some Controversial
  • Bible 365's Specific Doctrines
  • Bible 365's WorthyChat Bible Studies
  • Bible 365's Bible Topics - Looking at the Bible Topically
  • Reading Club's Topics
  • Bible Trivia's Index to Bible Trivia and Answers
  • Bible Trivia's Bible Trivia Answers
  • Bible Trivia's Bible Trivia Quizzes
  • Bible Trivia's Announcements
  • Puzzle Club's Forums
  • The Prophecy Exchange's Resources
  • The Prophecy Exchange's Forums
  • Songs of Praise Poetry Club's Forums
  • Christ Centered Recovery Group's Lessons
  • Christ Centered Recovery Group's Testimonies
  • Christ Centered Recovery Group's 12 Steps and Biblical Comparison
  • Christ Centered Recovery Group's Forums
  • Diabetes and Low Carb Eating Support Group's Diabetes
  • Diabetes and Low Carb Eating Support Group's Low Carb Eating
  • Triumph Over Cancer's General topics
  • Triumph Over Cancer's Encouragement
  • Triumph Over Cancer's Tips and advice
  • Cat Chat's Information concerning cats and their servants
  • Cat Chat's Misc. unCATegorized cat things
  • Cat Chat's Our Feline Babies!
  • Gardening Club's Topics
  • Baking club's Miscellaneous
  • Baking club's sponge cakes
  • Bible - Daily Reading's Introduction
  • Bible - Daily Reading's 2023 Bible Reading Schedule
  • Deeper Discourse's Forum

Christian Blogs

  • traveller - Standing in the Wind
  • The Treasure In The Field
  • For the Love of God
  • Keys to the Kingdom
  • To Him be the Glory
  • Marathoner's Blog
  • Leonardo’s Blog
  • Word Studies Relating to Destiny
  • Searching the Scriptures.
  • Thought and Reflection
  • WilliamL's Worthy Insights
  • Marilyn's Messages
  • Bible Study Series
  • Albert Finch Ministry
  • Devotions
  • League of Savage Gentlemen.
  • ~~Angels Thoughts~~
  • A Desert Sage ?
  • Omegaman's Thought and Rants
  • Some Thoughts from AyinJade
  • Insights into Worthy Ministries
  • Bible 365's Reading Schedule - Click Read More to see
  • Bible 365's Basic Instructions
  • Bible Trivia's Guidelines
  • Songs of Praise Poetry Club's My Songs to the Lord

Find results in...

Find results that contain...


Date Created

  • Start

    End


Last Updated

  • Start

    End


Filter by number of...

Joined

  • Start

    End


Group


Website URL


Location


Interests

  1. My child! Am I the Architect of one building, the Poet of one verse, the Painter of a single canvas, the Father of only one child? Are thou not able to know My bounty in infinite self-expression? Raise thine eyes to the sky, and in this wide-open window of thine earthly abode thou will see the scattering of other starry worlds — did I raise them in vain and was stingy to sow them with life? Oh, My child, would thou know what is prepared for thee! I sent thee My gift — a piece of My Spirit — a spark from the light of Life that thou carry in thineself. And behold, I tell thee, thou are My child, for thou have in thee from Me. This spiritual guide of light will lead thee to Me, for light always returns to its Source. He will return to Me and bring thee with him, may thou follow his guidance! Thine mortal vessel is My temple not made by hands, where My Spirit dwells and I do not need other sanctuaries. I myself took care of everything, so that thou do not need anything. And from thee, My child, I am waiting for thee to turn away from thine amusements and raise thine eyes to My face, turned to thee, and answer Me with a smile of joy, recognizing Me as thine Father, for, truly, thou are not an orphan — and may thine childish heart will ignite with reciprocal love! And may at the end of thine years thou will not peer into the bright colors of thine former infancy, when thine living soul was still enthusiastically fluttering like a butterfly in the palms of My Spirit, but thou will joyfully and tremblingly look forward to eternal life in the abodes of light, what I have prepared for thee, and let not thou exhaust the water of life that is poured out of Me. Are the eyes of thine soul still unable to recognize My light? I am the Giver and the Bestower, the Creator and the Blesser, and my gifts are truly holy. Accept them, and I will never take away my gifts. I am who I am, and my being is in thee, and all that is, is in Me, for there is nothing but what is, and what is, is I. I am and I am perfect. And thou, My child, are because I gave thee in Myself and from Myself. Thou are only at the beginning of thine journey, but in the space of time I will exalt thee upon to My perfection. For this is My will. Desire this also, My child, and, I tell thee, it will come true! I live in thee by My Spirit, and thou abide in Me like a beloved baby in the womb. But more than that, the entire vast universe, the entire creation, visible and invisible, known and hidden, space itself, time and even eternity are rolled into the scroll of My Word and exist in Me. Everything that exists is in Me. I am the Existing, the Being, the Reality and there is nothing else but Me. I am thine Source and thine Purpose. Thou came from Me and thou will ascend to Me, for I am thine Father. All secrets are hidden in Me, and I am the Secret of Secrets, but I do not hide from thee. Thou are still small, My child, and in due time I will reveal much to thee, but now I say — lean on and hold fast to My love and completely trust Me, I will not demand more from thee. And may thou accept My love and trust Me, and the whole universe will be on thine side and for thee. This is the secret of thine joy, peace and conviction, crushing all doubts, for thee live in the life-giving Truth. Yes, I tell thee, the whole universe was created by Me for thee, My child. December 24, 2022
  2. Is anyone feeling betrayed by bugs crawling all over you? Specifically locusts that make creeping sounds in the spirit? It seems likley that these are also plaguing the greedful sin of prostitution going on around the nations. "Anything for myself, at all costs." Are these specifically designed as part of the Abaddon great destroyer plague in Rev 9? Because they are coming out of the bottomless pit with him we read. Only they aren't eating crops of the earth (yet), they've been eating us!! It says men shall be tormented by these for 5 months, OK. They come out of a furnace which means they are a furnace when they get there." I heard testimony from US soldiers who were seeing in Northern Iraq about ISIS. "These aren't normal men, these are demon infested super warriors that hate on an astronomical level." They get power to sin more when they take human lives, innocent bloodshed is it's source of strength." Question? Can we use the plagues after we walk through them as a church? Because Satan is quite a bully. And he uses people who call themselves Christians to fight everybody (with everything). Like the horses in Revelation 6, Death + Hades? The dappled horse tales, we'll hear of some exciting testimonies I presume. Revelation 9:2-11 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men. And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions. And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months. And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.
  3. PILOTS, DOCTORS AND SCIENTISTS TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT CHEMTRAILS 108 views Jun 18, 2022 CHEMTRAILS WEATHER MANIPULATION NWO Pilots, Doctors and Scientists Tell the Truth about Chemtrails So then why are our governments allowing chemtrails in the first place to created weather control? Well one of the most popular names of this weather manipulation is HAARP. So one of the accusations against HAARP is that the organisation deliberately creates destruction on a global scale, causing earthquakes, cyclones, flooding, snowstorms, and other disasters, around the world. Critics of HAARP assert that it has the capacity to send microwave radiation beneath the ground, strategically pinpointing faultlines, and that the size of HAARP’s fields of antennas have the potential for tremendous damage to the environment as, unlike other ionosphere research centers across the world, only HAARP has the ability to focus the energy from the field onto a specific spot in the atmosphere. One of countless earthquakes claimed to have been linked to HAARP was an Iran-Iraq earthquake that killed around 500 people in November of 2017. Despite tensions between those two nations and the United States, Iran’s Deputy Interior Minister for Security and Law Enforcement Mohammed Hossein Zolfaqari dismissed malintent, denying that such rumors had “any scientific basis.” Source: https://www.gaia.com/article/haarp-a-...
  4. Ok, I was hoping to receive some interesting comments on my previous post- Daniel 7:7 v. 7:19... I know there are some creative folks in this site, and I need a little break from Daniel. So, I would like your thoughts on why the first 3 plagues affected both the Jews and the Egyptians, while the last 7 affected only the Egyptians..... AND, as in SO MANY times in the OT, how will this SAME pattern be seen in the end times (Revelation). Thank you, Charlie
  5. I expect to complete the first phase of Daniel (all 12 chapters) within the next 2 months. I was instructed to study Daniel before I attempt Revelation. Because I had so much difficulty with 11, I found/started to seek assistance within this forum. I would not want or feel the need to try and tackle Revelation the same way-I believe it will be so much more challenging, and because there is so much talent within this forum, I would to learn with as many folks that are interested... it is ALWAYS so much more enjoyable when you can be part of a team. Consequently, in Revelation 6:2, it reads- “And I heard and I saw, and behold a white horse and he who sat on it had a bow and a crown was given to him and he went out victorious, both conquering and to conquer”. I guess if I was going to tackle this verse, I would list out the specific characteristics, and try to ensure my interpretation includes all of them: 1) white horse- why a horse, why white, 2) who is “he” sitting on the horse, 3) this “he” had a bow- where is the arrow: was “he” not given one or did “he” already shoot it, 4) a crown was given to him - crown given after he had been sitting, what does the crown signify, is this his permission to go out.. who gave him the crown, 5) he went out victorious- against who, is “he” a good or bad “he”, 6) why two separate actions... both conquering and to conquer... seems that was his intended purpose or mission (was this “mission” a designed role or did “he” decide on his own to conquer, 7) are there any Scriptures that can identify these characteristics or identity As mentioned in previous posts, I know NOTHING of Revelation and would respectfully ask for your comments and opinions. Thank you very much, Charlie
  6. An original video production by Rebel News. #RebelNews #KeeanBexte #Steinbach #ChurchOfGod #BrianPallister #Manitoba Matthew 1:23 Authorized (King James) Version 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 3 John 2-4 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Revelation 22:20-21 20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. ►Have you received a COVID fine? We're helping FIGHT: http://www.FightTheFines.com Keean Bexte was on location near Steinbach, Manitoba while congregants of the Church of God hosted their drive-in services. After the other media companies left, that's when the tickets were issued. FULL REPORT from Keean Bexte: https://rebelne.ws/3qAmTf1 Rebel News: Telling the other side of the story. https://www.rebelnews.com for more great Rebel content. Unlike almost all of our mainstream media competitors, Rebel News doesn’t receive any government funding. We rely on our generous audience to help keep us reporting. ►LISTEN to our FREE podcast - https://rebelne.ws/podcast Make sure to follow Rebel News on social media too! FACEBOOK - https://rebelne.ws/fbook TWITTER - https://rebelne.ws/twitter INSTAGRAM - https://rebelne.ws/Instagram PARLER - https://rebelne.ws/parler An original video production by Rebel News. #RebelNews #KeeanBexte #Steinbach #ChurchOfGod #BrianPallister #Manitoba " https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPmMTQBdC6Q " Church CHARGED $6,000 for DRIVE-IN services; bylaw wait until Media Party leaves to issue tickets
  7. In Jesus’ admonishments to the churches in Revelation’s chapters two and three, we are shown that it is only the Philadelphians who are promised protection from the “hour of temptation” (apostasy) which in turn would logically protect her from the “hour of His Judgment” in Revelation 14:7, the tribulation. She shares the same characteristics with the church of Smyrna, the only other church that has no need to be corrected by the Lord. Both of these churches are martyrs in different ways. Some experience physical martyrdom, others like the Philadelphians are promised protection, but both churches are martyrs of the self and willing to die rather than deny Jesus. The point is, these churches are not harboring the errors of the other five churches. I believe that it is vitally important for the spiritual health of today’s church to understand what these errors are so they can be corrected. It is prophesied that in the last days there will be a falling away; an apostasy (II Thessalonians 2:3). While some scholars see the seven churches as representing different church ages, all of the spiritual conditions can operate simultaneously in the present age, and even in individual churches. Yet, the errors of those churches illustrate for us how the church descends into apostasy. I am going to give a brief overview of what each of those errors are so we can avoid them and qualify for that Philadelphian category. 1. The Error of the Ephesians The church begins her descent into apostasy when she fails to make sharing the gospel and discipling (reproducing reproducers) her first priority. These are the “works” (Rev. 2:5) that the Ephesians neglected. The “first love” (Rev. 2:4) of the first century church was reaching people with the gospel and discipling believers into the image of Christ. For a church to remain healthy this first century model must not be abandoned or neglected. The gospel must be first. 2. The Error of Pergamos The church must maintain sound doctrine as it was established by Jesus and His apostles. The church at Pergamos symbolically began to marry “foreign wives;” she was allowing herself to be influenced by doctrines that were not supported by the apostles. God’s word must be taken as the final word above man’s philosophies, opinions, and doctrines. To remain healthy a church must cleave to the pure simplicity of the scriptures and not abandon the authority of the first century apostles who alone were handpicked by God to establish the doctrines of the church. “We (the first century apostles) are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God hears not us. Hereby we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error” (I John 4:6). 3. The Error of Thyatira The move away from the pure authority of God’s word, breeds a spirit of compromise like worms on stale bread. The spirit of Jezebel that pollutes this church represents moral compromise with the world. Repentance from sin is not preached and God’s moral standards are diminished. The world’s acceptance of sexual immorality is emulated. I know Christians who are compromised in this area and like those at Thyatira, they are promised great tribulation unless they repent. The spirit of Jezebel does not preach repentance and the scriptural fact that there are consequences for sin. Her mantra is “God does not punish” which is not supported by the scriptures. Because this church has negated God’s word by permitting the doctrines of men to override the final authority of the scriptures, Jezebel’s followers who have been promised by this lying spirit that they will all go in a pre-tribulation rapture are going to be in for a rude awakening. In order for a church to remain healthy and not fall into apostasy, holiness and separation from the world must be embraced. A healthy church recognizes the value of the Lord’s correction, and the benefits of holiness. This church rejects the spirit of compromise with the world and strives to live a separate holy life as we are exhorted to do by the apostles and the entire counsel of God’s word. 4. The Error of Sardis This church is a further development of the same liberal spirit that infects Thyatira. Because she has allowed the doctrines of men to override God’s pure, simple truth, this church is risking her salvation because she is abandoning the basics of the Christian faith. She no longer believes that the cross, or faith in the atonement is necessary for salvation, embracing the lie that all religions are valid. Thus this church is denying Jesus, the only other error that can cost a believer his salvation apart from perpetual unforgiveness (Matthew 10:33, 6:14,15). Therefore she is warned that unless she repents her name will be blotted out of the book of life (Rev. 3:5). A healthy church recognizes that Jesus is the only way to the Father and cleaves to the cross for her spiritual safety. 5. The Error of Laodicea While this church has retained a fundamental knowledge of the Lord, she has become complacent and self-centered. Her desire for comfort has replaced the desire to save the lost. She has no zeal for the things of the Lord. All of the errors of the previous four churches are operational to some degree in this church, which represents the culmination of the latter day apostasy. A healthy church remains zealous for the things of God, makes sharing the gospel and discipling her first priority, cleaves to the authority of the Holy Scriptures, preaches repentance, refuses to compromise with the world, values and practices holiness, retains a healthy reverence for the Lord and is aware that obedience to His word is important. This church would rather die than deny that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and the only way to heaven. I have just described the characteristics of the Philadelphian remnant who has kept God’s word and will be rewarded for her faithfulness as the Lord has promised her. To those who remain trapped in the errors of the churches of the Ephesians, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis and Laodicea, I will say to you the one word the Jezebel spirit does not want you to hear, “Repent” in this space of time before the hour of God’s judgment begins.
  8. Edit by Omegaman 3.0: If someone wants to look at this video (that was mistakenly posted here in the wrong, not video forum), the can do so by doing a search at YouTube for "There is Something Very Strange about This Man! (2017-2018)" Meanwhile the video is deleted from this thread. If it is submitted to the video section, someone might approve it for publication here at Worthy. Matthew 24:21-24 21 for then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
  9. The ‘Abraham Accord’ Will Connect Israel And Abu Dhabi Where The Chrislam Headquarters Known As The Abrahamic Faiths House Is Located Today’s announcement of a peace treaty between the Jews and Arabs contained within the ‘Abraham Accord’ brokered by Jared Kushner and the Trump administration sent shock waves throughout the bible prophecy world today. But it is only many hours later, as the dust begins to settle, that the true picture of what actually took place this morning comes fully into view. The ‘Abraham Accord’ is the missing link the Vatican needed to complete its launch of Chrislam, otherwise known as the Abrahamic Faiths Initiative. “Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” Isaiah 28:15,16 (KJV) https://www.nowtheendbegins.com/nation-of-israel-will-be-placed-on-lockdown-starting-feast-of-trumpets-as-netanyahu-signs-abraham-accord/ https://www.nowtheendbegins.com/chrislam-abraham-accord-between-israel-uae-was-missing-link-needed-to-launch-pope-francis-abrahamic-faiths-initiative/
  10. I have always been puzzled by the experts' theories of the 5 fallen heads as Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. This does not seem to fit Daniel 2 or Daniel 7. I am just thinking out loud and looking for help. In Daniel 7 the first beast was a Lion with one head: perhaps to represent Babylon then and the land area today. The second beast was a bear with one head: perhaps to represent Medo-Persia then and the land area today. The third beast was a leopard with four heads: perhaps to represent Alexander's four Generals: Lysimachus, Cassander, Ptolomy, Seleucus The fourth beast was a fearsome beast with one head: to represent Ancient Rome and then perhaps the Antichrist Beast of Revelation. When I count up these heads, I get seven heads. Rev. 17:3 So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. It would seem that the 7 heads in Revelation should match the 7 heads of Daniel. Perhaps the "heads" here and "Kings" of verse 10 of whom 5 have fallen, represent more the empire rather than a specific king. "Fallen" then may be telling us that the empire was conquered. When we look at Daniel 2, the great image, it has Babylon, Medo-Persia (two arms and chest), belly of Brass for the Grecian empire, legs of iron to represent Rome. This really does not fit the heads of chapter 7. The belly would have to have four heads. However, this image is what gets destroyed in the end. I would seem Egypt and Assyria are on end time empires. Any thoughts?
  11. If we count up the heads in Daniel 7: 1: The Beast with the lion head - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 head 2. The Beast that looked like a Bear - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 head 3. The Beast that looked like a leopard with 4 wings - - - 4 heads 4. The terrible beast - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 head. These add up to 7 heads. Probably to represent Babylon, and Nebuchadnezzar, Medo-Persia and Darius (?), Greece and the 4 Generals that took over after Alexander died and Rome (At the time of Christ?). For Revelation many have thought: 1. Egypt 2. Assyria 3. Babylon 4. medo-Persia 5. Greece 6. Rome 7. The Beast of Rev. 13 Your thoughts?
  12. The Post-trib position in a nutshell compared with the Bible A short Bible study on a topic that some want to make way too complicated - Omegaman Post-Trib Belief What the Bible (NASB) Says The software here makes formatting difficult. There is an easier to read version if you prefer July 28th, 2014 - Omegaman 3.0 There will be a time of trouble Jesus called birth pangs You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.7“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. 8“But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. Followed by persecution, even to death, a time of tribulation 9“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. There will be a sign 15“Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. Then the tribulation will be great, but it will be limited 21“For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. 22“Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. After the tribulation, Jesus will come visibly in the sky 29“But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30“And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. He then will send angels to gather His elect 31“And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. In Jesus time, only the Father knew the exact time of Jesus visible return 36“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. But it will be like the days of Noah, when calamity overtook the surprised unbelievers 37“For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. 38“For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Believers should also be ready for His return, though they do not know the exact time. 42“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. 44“For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. The Bible, to prevent deception. tells us the order of the events: 3As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you." Every verse listed so far, was from the 24th Chapter of the book of Matthew. You have just read them yourself, exactly as they are in the bible, and in the same order, so you can see for yourself, what Jesus said about these things.As you can see, He did not use figurative or symbolic language, he was very clear, and used lots of words which indicat time sequences, words like "then" and "at that time". There is no need to spin Jesus' words or make unwarranted assumptions, as many are tempted to do. Let's look at some more info from the apostles Paul and from John There will be a time when Jesus catches up (raptures) His church. From 1 Thess chapter 4 Notice again the sequence: The Lord descends from Heaven, a shout, and angel, a trumpet, and those who have died in Christ rise, Then the living Christian join them in the air. 13But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 15For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Like Jesus before him, Paul also said there was a sign to look for, a sigh that would appear before our gathering to Him in the rapture. Beleivers are to look for this man, and by that will now that the 2nd coming of Jesus, is then imminent. 2 Thess 2 1Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, 2that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. Jesus will come like a thief on unbelievers, but watchful Christians will know that He is about to come. 1 Thess 5 1Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. 2For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. 3While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.4But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; 5for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; 6so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. Since we know that the dead in Christ rise first, followed by the rapture (vs 16 & 17 of 1 Thess 4) of the living believers, if we only knew if that resurrection was before or after the tribulation, we could understand if the rapture was before or after the tribulation. Believers who die in the tribulation, for their testimony of Jesus, come to life in the first resurrection, to be followed by the rapture (1 Thess 4:17) rapture. 4Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5(The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed.) This is the first resurrection. This has been a summary of the Post Tribulation Rapture viewpoint, also known as Historic Premillenialism, along with some scripture passages which can be said to support this understanding. There were assertions, and there were supporting verses and passages, without inserting things like an invisible, secret coming (is there even one verse that says that? If so, I have never seen it), and idea that has become popular in modern times. I tried to keep this faithful to scripture, I tried to make it simple and clear. Jesus and Paul warned about deceptions to come, I take those warning seriously. Paul had this to say as well: 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Tim 4 I will end with this thought from the book of Acts: 19“Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; 20and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, 21whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time. Some versions render that as "He must remain in heaven until the time" Personally, I find all these verses harmonize perfectly well with each other, and I beleive the Post-Trib rapture position, is consistant with them as well. I hope you found this helpful and informative (Reply to a question - question asker asked for question to be deleted - but ok to leave answer if name not mentioned) Omegaman Jul 31 2014 10:23 PM Your reply touches on something that is always an issue, the idea of interpretation. I have no idea if I am right or I am wrong, I believe I am right of course, otherwise I would change my view, lol. However, where I think my understanding and belief is different from many, is that I try not to interpret at all, I just read, and try to understand. If you read my post, and I assume you did, you will have noticed that I did two things - I stated aspects of the doctrine which I accept, and then I stated the scripture that appears to support those points. You will have noticed that what I did not do was things like: "You see where it says 'elect', that is the Jews!" or: "See where it says the restrainer?" - that is the Holy Spirit: Those sorts of things, are interpretations, I just pointed out scripture and let it speak for itself. The things that are usually used to demonstrate a pre-tribulation rapture, are interpretations at best, usually they are arguments from silence, or assumed inferences not warranted by the text. For example, all of the ways people try to see a sudden, secret, any moment visit by Jesus, well, it is just odd, since the text never says any such thing. While I know people do not intend harm, it strikes me as dishonest to treat scripture so carelessly. Of course, I just stepped on millions of toes with that statement, but it frustrates me that people cannot see the difference between their assumptions and what the Bible actually says, and does not say. In my post I didn't even mention all the evidences that demonstrate the errors of pre-trib assumptions, I just tried to give positive evidence for a post trib position, and I did not have to assume or twist anything to do that - just posted scripture. I could still be in error for my understanding, but I do not think my understanding is unreasonable, and I expect that many others might notice that. My main point in my reply, that I would like you to take away, is that stating scripture, is not an interpretation, it is just stating scripture. I pointed out how, those scriptures might represent what I have come to believe. If the difference is not obvious, then I just wasted my time, but it will not be the first time I have done that. Thanks for taking the time to read my post and respond.
  13. What is the testimony of Jesus? I am reading the book of Revelation again. And this verse arrested my attention: The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy (19:10). What does the spirit of Prophecy say? The spirit and the bride say Come, Come Lord Jesus Come. It’s ok to pray for the government, it’s ok to pray for the nation, it’s ok to pray for Israel. But the spirit of prophecy is to say Come Lord Jesus, Come. How much are we LONGING for his return? This is not just end time doctrine. It is apostolic Christianity . In the book of Acts chapters 1-3 we have the great apostolic commission. Acts 1- the gospel is to go into all the world: worldwide evangelism and discipleship. Act 2- Solemn assemblies for a worldwide outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Acts 3- the restoration of all things since creation as spoken by the prophets (Acts 3:21). We are called to restore all things, not just taking the gospel in all the world, not just praying for a worldwide outpouring of the Holy Spirit but to restore all things that have gone wrong since the fall. Only when the King comes will all things that have gone wrong after the fall will be fully restored. We are to hasten the coming of the day of the Lord by longing for his return . The spirit and the bride must cry out : come Lord Jesus. Otherwise the heaven must retain Him. I don't think that the church is really longing for his return. Some are longing to go to heaven but the ACHING LONGING for Him to come and become ruler of kings over the nations here on the earth and to restore back all things that have gone wrong since the fall is not there. Jesus taught us to pray thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. THE DOUBLE BLESSINGS in book of Psalms The book has A UNIQUE DESIGN to convey a unique message Psalm one and two gives us an introduction what the book of Psalm is all about. With these two Psalm we see that there is a double blessing. There is a blessing for delighting in the Torah and there is a blessings for praying and longing for the day when this Messianic king will rules the earth as ruler of kings and cause God’s kingdom his righteousness truth humility to explode in all the earth. These two Psalm together tells us that the book of Psalms is meant to be the language of prayer in songs for God’s people as they seek to be faithful to the commands of the Torah and as they long and hope for the Messianic kingdom. God’s wants his people to come in agreement with Him to usher in the reign of this King who will rule all the earth from Zion. He has given us the language of prayer in songs so that we can come into agreement with His heart as to how to pray the LORDS prayer “thy kingdom come “. But the church is not yet on an eschatological level yet. She has not yet entered into the double blessings of the books of Psalms. DOUBLE BLESSINGS For myself, I am praying for MORE of the spirit of prophecy. I want the DOUBLE blessing.
  14. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Colossians 3:12 "Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture!" I Corinthians 13:9 "And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know." 1 Corinthians 8:2 "Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become foolish, so that he may become wise." 1 Corinthians 3:18 For the Glory of Jesus Christ the only unique Son of God. My Lord, My Savior, My All. Hello, brothers and sisters in Christ. This article is not aimed at the layperson, it is for those who already have a background knowledge in Biblical prophecy. If you are a new Christian I strongly encourage you to ignore this and focus on the Fruits of the Spirit. Warning, this deals with unpleasant subject matter and is not suitable for people with neurotic conditions. Thank you, Worthy Ministries, for allowing me to communicate this to fellow scholars. I am Southern Baptist and scriptures are based on the New American Standard Bible translation. The Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ and the books of Daniel and Revelation are my teachers. I have an enhanced education, born from years pouring through university libraries from the 10 years I spent in college. An education for the sole purpose of having a broad understanding of the world(Daniel 12:4). This is the fruit of 35 years studying the End Time interpretations without confirmation bias, comparing each with the world as it stands in reality. Humbly casting aside my opinions when I found glaring contradictions to the body of Biblical prophecy as a whole. While being mindful of the use of isolated verses taken out of context from the overall narrative and disconnected facts. An overwhelming amount of information has been summarized here. This is necessary to condense everything into a short essay. The focus is to provide new avenues for your study. It would take multiple books to expound upon all the details. This information truly fits what is actually in the world today. It represents an extensive body of knowledge, taking a universal worldview without interference from cultural bias. All the separate events fit together in a holistic fashion with extensive support of Biblical prophecy. The first part is direct comparison to scripture. The last parts are manifestations of the Beast itself and twice removed from the scriptures that inspired their consideration. This is meant to fill a niche where up-to-date or comprehensive information is needed. To counteract the misinformation from media and formal education that is clouding our ability to adequately interpret End Time prophecies. The following statements are my opinion, are subject to change and presented randomly. (2 Thess. 2:4) The Antichrist or Counterfeit Christ that will achieve global ruler status is (Maitreya .org). On web page go to: Literature/The Plan/Master Plan for Planet Earth(MAP). (Rev. 13:11) The Pope fits the position of the False Prophet. Lamb(Christian) that speaks like a dragon. The word Prophet comes from the Greek word for “spokesman,” or someone who speaks on behalf of God. Also, the two horns mirror the division of the Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox, they have not officially separated. See: "Catholic-Orthodox Reunification" (Rev. 17-18) N.Y.C. fits the Great Whore: United Nations In a secure location away from threats of invasion Melting pot of all nationalities Dependent on maritime world commerce Between two rivers A great coastal city Extremely wealthy consumer based economy Corrupt culture polluting world with lust Separate from the Dragon Dominates the Dragons system (Rev. 17:10) 5 were, 1 is and 1 is yet to come. This scripture is from the point of view of the Whore and is putting her in historical context. The use of the term kings is a reference to kingdoms. The same term usage is found in Daniel 11, Kings of the North and South. Nebuchadnezzar's Statue (Daniel 2), the Seven Hills of the Whore and the Seven Headed Dragon are alternate versions of the same entity. 1) Babylonia 2) Medo-Persia 3) Hellenistic Greece 4) Roman Empire 5) Two divisions of Rome: The Holy Roman Empire who was destroyed by Napoleon and the Byzantine Empire who's governing body relocated to Russia in the 1400's. In other words, Moscow is now the seat of government in Eastern Rome having absorbed the fleeing Constantinople rulers escaping the Muslim conquest of Asia Minor. Tsar literally means Caesar. See: "Moscow is the Third Rome", "Dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire" 6) Iron and clay: This is post WWI&II in Europe and Middle East. The defeat of emperors and the establishment of statehood. The U.S.A. assumes hegemony over Rome's historic borders. Thus the Dragons near fatal wound that will not recover until the rise of the Antichrist. See: "Liberal World Order" 7) 10 member group, with 3 to have undisputed global military dominance. The only group to be in a position for such power is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (S.C.O.), made in part to counteract NATO members military deployments and power projection. The S.C.O. represents 50% of the worlds population, the E.U. represents less than 10%. France, Italy and Germany's potential is relatively weak. It is too far of a stretch to say the E.U. will have the military and industrial personnel for world domination. Logically, the three nations are Russia, China and India. Prophecy is on a global scale at this stage and no longer confined to Rome's historic borders. See: "PwrIndx", "Russia and China in Prophecy", "Illusions of Autonomy: Why Europe Cannot Provide for Its Security If the United States Pulls Back" Moscow, Istanbul and Rome are each located on seven hills. Notwithstanding, these cities are ineligible as candidates for the Great Whore. Because, they don't meet the qualifications listed in Revelation 17-18. Also, topography is a red haring, sense the prophecy of the Seven Hills is specifically stated to be allegorical. (Rev. 17:18) End Time city of the Whore compared to Mystery Babylon revealed in her seal (Revelation 17:5, Jeremiah 51:49) is the same as the relationship between the city of Jerusalem to the Israel of God (Galatians 6:16). The two are interchangeable and inseparable but still very distinct types of entities unto themselves. (Rev. 18:18-19) The US attack on Iran will lead to direct Russian engagement and an imminent global nuclear exchange. To stop this event, Osama Bin Laden and Russian officials with the help of MS-13 have planted miniaturized thermonuclear (2-23 kiloton) bombs in proximity to major US cities. They are meant to be thermal, igniting large areas to create fire storms. The destructive shock wave and fallout are of secondary importance. For details see: "Iran and Russia sign classified military agreement-Iranintl", "Iran and China draft 25-year military agreement", "Nuclear Terrorism Fact Sheet", "Al-Qaeda nukes already in U.S.", "Al Qaeda has Nuclear Weapons-CIA", "Iran joins China, Russia in Shanghai Cooperation Organization - Al-Monitor" and "The Iranian Nuclear Issue: Beware of Plan B - The National Interest" (Rev. 18:8) New York, Miami, Las Vegas and Los Angeles will be nuked when we attack Iran. It will not just be N.Y.C., but also places like L.A., Las Vegas, Miami and maybe Seattle. Places that pose risk to the occupying countries of Russia, China, Mexico and the "Islamic State" along with protecting the naval ports in Cuba and Alaska annexed by Russia. (Rev 17:16) The balkanization of the U.S.A.. This is based on classified information from (FAPSI). Said events will happen within months. The states will not have time to react with any significant effort. Survivalist are delusional(John 18:36). A starving and chaotic population will not be a match for the hardened militia and military grade weapons that are flooding across the border. The real national defense of the U.S. would be stable localized food supplies. Guns will not protect a nation against regional famine for long. By comparison, 80% of the Russian's vegetable supply is grown on residential lots. 1.Russia with the military of China will take Alaska and Europe(Germany, France and Vatican are already in bed with Russia). 2.Mexico will have the Gulf of Mexico coastline, Texas to Florida. 3.China will have California and East Coast. 4.Islam will rule over New England. 5.Wisconsin and Midwest will not be a problem for Canada, whose occupation will be welcome. See: "1984 Prophecy-Dumitru Duduman-Warning America", "Igor Panarin", "Is France a Trojan horse within NATO? - TRTWorld", "Putin Tells Pope They Can Jointly ‘Protect Christians'-TheMoscowTimes", "German president Steinmeier's visit to Kyiv 'not wanted'" and "Russian-German Chamber of Commerce" (Rev. 18:17) Mexico, Cuba, Nicaragua and others will coordinate their navies and ports with Russia to enforce an embargo on the rest of the U.S. population, exasperating the food shortage and international aid. Cuba and Mexico can shut off trade to Gulf ports. China can halt Pacific lanes of traffic. Russia, Turkey and Iran(every Iranian vessel of trade has missiles) can halt Atlantic trade. Venezuela and Nicaragua can halt shipping traffic trough the Panama Canal. The U.K. will be preoccupied with Europe's surrender to Asia. The U.S. Navy will quickly deteriorate with the destruction of the U.S. tax base and ACH network. To demonstrate this outcome has merit see: "The New Russian Engagement with Latin America", "An Assessment of Russia's Military Presence in Latin America", "Iran’s Huge Submarine Fleet Can Seriously Hurt the U.S. Navy - The National Interest" 40 days after the nukes the Day of Declaration will be announced to the world by Maitreya(M). The broadcast will unite world media in the process. There is an international effort to conceal M until the Day of Declaration. Over 200 network executives and world leaders met with him and agreed upon this course of action. See: Occultation (Islam), Iranian Commander Ghaani: ‘Our Goal is to Establish the Hidden Imam’s Global Rule’ - The Algemeiner, "Extraordinary Times, Extraordinary Beings Maitreya and Yasser Arafat" He will not appear with the persona of Maitreya on that day. To see the demeanor of the man himself view the video "Maitreya on False Prophets, End Times, New World Order, Koran, Jewish High Priests 10-13-2001" Knowledge of M is hidden by the international media. The following is by no means an endorsement, consider the Spirit I have been writing in. Christians weak in faith be warned, this information is a segment of the line that will be drawn in front of you at the hour of your testing. I am only showing what has been hidden from you by the Serpent(See: Metatron - compare to M's "Greatest Sign"). He wants to assure you will not interfere as a political or religious organization before the time and to catch you off guard with a sudden unexpected decision. See: "Healing hand of Maitreya", this is not what you think. "Maitreya’s miraculous appearance in Nairobi". The Nairobi appearance was not M himself, but a demonstration of how he turned Jesus into Christ. For M claims to be Father God (Let my personal feelings be known with sounds of physical disgust). Also, it has a tie to a young Obama, who would go on to push for implementing M's globalist policies only to suffer defeat by the election of Trump. "Maitreya's TV interviews and the Day of Declaration" "Maitreya's emergence" "Three of Maitreya's Miracles" "Maitreya's worldwide appearances" "Miracles: Healing wells - Share International" (Dan. 12:11, Rev. 17:10, Rev. 17:17) After the destruction of N.Y.C. the S.C.O. nations will elect M as world leader. The U.N. headquarters will reestablish in Jerusalem. The Temple will be built. He appears to establish a social, religious and political order first, before the Abomination That Makes Desolate is erected by the Second Beast(False Prophet) in the built Temple with ongoing established sacrifices. The purpose of the False Prophet, the heir to the throne, is to raise the masses to meet M and then deify him after after his assasination. (Rev. 16:13) M associates with the elite and will establish the ruling class, the separated capstone on top of the pyramid that displays the eye of the sublime minded. (Rev 13:15) An A.I. of his person will be created for personal intercourse with the masses below. (Rev. 17:16) After the burning down of N.Y.C. the U.N. headquarters will move to Jerusalem. The Palestinians will still be a problem. They will be packed in boats and loaded down with weapons. Sending them to New England allowing the boats to pass the embargo. The Palestinians will gather up an Islamic state and will subjugate a starving and chaotic population. See "Islamic flag over the White House" (Is. 47:7-8, Rev. 17:16) The cup of the saints blood. The Whore is drunk off the saints not because of her own doing, but of events happening within her boarders. Maiterya's mother is named Sekhmet. She waits in New Mexico to receive her kingdom, because, of a dream she had. She will gather the Hispanic populations as the Mother of God. Her children will devour the Bible Belt(Texas to Florida). The cup will runneth over (Rev. 17:6). Forgive the pagan reference it is necessary to understand this. sekhmet is the oldest god in Egypt. She is a lion goddess her titles include Annihilator of the Rebellious and Our Lady of the Bloodbath. When ra sent her to destroy his enemies she went overboard and started to kill everyone indiscriminately. ra was fearful all mankind would perish. So, ra turned the Nile into fake blood by mixing beer and red clay for her to drink instead (Exodus 7:20). When she had her fill of this mixture she got drunk and fell asleep having her blood lust satisfied. Afterward awakening renewed transformed into a goddess of love, motherhood and joy. In sekhmet temple worship they had what was called the porch of drunkenness were they drank this red alcoholic mixture(beer and pomegranate juice). mother sekhmet is a good candidate for in the terrible loss revealed in the Whores cup. See: "Aztlán Chicano Movement" (Rev. 20:4) Maitreya says he will remove all backward people on Earth who hold onto the "bigoted beliefs of the past." He also states, "To live on Earth is a privilege not a right." His solution is to make all humanity bow their heads to him as a pledge of allegiance. Those who refuse to submit will be treasonous to world peace, placed outside the protection of law and considered worse than dogs. He states, "no place will be given for them to lay their heads." The Idea is to have all resistance eliminated then "reborn" into society to be reeducated. (2 Thess. 2:9-12, Rev. 13:13) In the Valley of Hebron, Maitreya will descend in a U.F.O. with properties of lightning, causing thunder.? The statement is based on Islamic teaching of the Mahdi(Antichrist). This is supported by Biblical prophecy and is reminiscent of the new energy source M has planned. That is to draw electricity directly from the magnetosphere using large hovering stratospheric platforms connected by long cables to satellites boosting the effects of ion transfer through the atmosphere. See: "The Space Tether Experiment- NASA", "Ion Harvesting Technology", "Microwave Beam Experiment", "Ayatollah: Mahdi coming back in Space Ship-WND" and "Lifter Anti-gravity Ion Craft" (Rev. 11:6, Rev. 16:18) Do not be deceived into thinking the Tribulation is passing. Two events should happen in succession. First, a mega-drought over Eurasia, the 1260 days are the consequences of this event. Second, the impact of the asteroid "Wormwood" and the subsequent catastrophic outburst of volcanic activity as a result of planetary trauma from shock waves reverberating across Earth. (F.Y.I.) The Book of Revelation is seven separate letters. These documents can repeat information as the time covered is relative to each vision and the range of perspective varies greatly between them. This confuses many scholars. Giving the illusion of multiple separate occurrences when the book is viewed as a strict continuous narrative. Book divisions by chapter 3-3-3-4-3-3-3. For the glory of Jesus and by the power of His cross. Thank you for reading this. May you be a sturdy rock in times of trouble, giving people comfort with the strength of your faith in Jesus Christ.
  15. The unveiling of Jesus Revelation means to unveil. Jesus has by inheritance (at the resurrection) obtained a more excellent name, He comes and reveals himself to us in a way he has never done before. Some are titles: he is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, ruler of the kings of the earth. Others are his appearance: the garment that he is wearing speaks of him as High priest ; his eyes are like flame of fire, his voice as the sound of many waters, Everything about his title and his appearance is intentional, with the purpose of communicating a message to his bride. He wants us to encounter him at a heart level in His new name so that our hearts will be empowered to prepare for His coming. When you encounter him at a heart level in his new name, it will change the way you prophesy about the end times. You will understand the prophecy and you won’t prophesy out of a wrong spirit or a religious spirit or even with a spirit of intellectual
  16. This will have a similar page on a website (it is buggy right now), because I can do more features there than on the limitations here, but for here, here is the topic - and supporting verse addresses: The Bible is God's revelation to mankind Mat 4:4, 7, 10, 5:19-20, 19:4-6, 26:31, 52-54, Luk 4:16-21, 16:17, 18:31-33, 22:37, 24:25-27, 45-47, Jn 10:35 Even Jesus must obey and fulfill Mat 5:17-18, 26:24, Jn 5:46 Inspired by God and for our instruction Psa 33:6, Gen 1:2, II Tim 3:15-17, Rom 15:4, I Cor 10:11, II Pet 1:21, I Pet 1:10-12, Heb 1:5-13, 3:7, 4:3, 10:5-7, 15-17, Acts 4:25, 28:25-27 Apostolic writing is also scripture, the word of God II Cor 2:12-13, II Pet 3:15-16, I Tim 5:18, Luke 10:7 Word of God is instruction from God on how to live Ex 32:15-16, 34:1, 27-28, Num 33:2, Deut 31:9. Everyone from rulers to common folk are to be obedient to the Bible. Josh 1:7-8, II Ki 17:13, 22:8-13, I Chr 22:12-13, Neh 8, Ps 119
  17. The Universe is Revelation from God There is a post here which discusses the Bible as the revelation of God. The Bible has very specific information about God Himself, and about that nature of man, and the problems created by the differences between the will of mankind (as individuals) and the will of God. Much of the Bible though, is limited as a revelation, because mankind has a limited ability to understand the Bible. Some things are spiritually understood, and are understood only by those who have God’s Spirit. In this sense then, the Bible is a revelation intended for the people of God. The universe is different. Though it lacks a lot of the specificity that the Bible has, it has a kind of revelation that is understood (or can be) understood by those with the ability to think, and the powers of observation. This topic, explores some of that. Rom 1:19-21 God reveals Himself through His creation, there is no excuse to reject God Acts 17:28 Paul acknowledged Greek poets and philosophers, knew there was a Creator Acts 14:17 God testified about Himself, as a provider to mankind Rom 2:4 God's kindness toward us, should lead us to repentance Rom 2:14-15 Our conscience, tells us there is right and wrong, we understand that Rom 1:32 People know not to sin, yet even encourage others to sin also This revelation is available to all, so we call this general revelation Rom 1:18-3:19 God's wrath and judgement await unrepentant sinners What scripture reveals beyond this general revelation, and this is very important, is that man is a sinner, sin separated man from God, and this separation is permanent unless God intervenes and provides a way of salvation from our sin and the effects of it. This we call special or specific revelation.
  18. When we compare the descriptions of Himself Jesus gives John to write in the letters to the seven churches (ekklesias), with the observations and mentions John makes of his initial experience in the Spirit with the ascended Christ, we notice how readily they match, along with some other passages for the sixth and seventh letters. Rev 2:1 (1) Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things says He that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; Rev 2:8 (8) And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things says the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; Rev 2:12 (12) "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, 'These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: Rev 2:18 (18) "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, 'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: Rev 3:1 (1) "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: " Rev 3:7 (7) "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, he that has the key of David, he that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens; Rev 3:14 (14) And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I hope you have enjoyed these matching passages as much as I have, especially in contemplating the differences between Christ as John observed and experienced Him whilst He was on earth, and as we read of Him after He ascended. Blessings from Michael37.
  19. God is the great revealer, Satan is the great concealer Man gave control over the world to Satan, at the beginning, through disobedience to God, God created all angels (disembodied spirit beings) and humans (spirits living in a physical body) with a freewill, the ability to choose, a will that is free to make decisions independent from Him. Satan and a third of the angels were cast out of heaven when they chose to rebel against God. Man transferred his God given dominion over the world to Satan in the Garden of Eden the moment he chose to hear and obey the devil’s words over the words he had heard from God. From that moment Satan became the god or ruler of this world and the source of all the evil that influences the lives of most of the human race. This is why in the temptations of Jesus, Satan could legitimately boast that “The kingdoms of the world …this has been delivered to me” (Luke 4:5-6 - and Jesus didn’t refute Satan’s claim). 1 John 5:19 We know positively that we are of God, and the whole world around us is under the power of the evil one (Satan). AMP 2 Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world (Satan) has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. KJV Eph 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. In the end Jesus takes back the dominion of the world from Satan, Rev 11:15 “The kingdoms of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” ESV/KJV Satan, the concealer, does not want us to know if or how he operates in our lives, Now Satan’s kingdom is a kingdom of darkness, meaning he operates where there is no light or insufficient light from God, who is light, in men’s hearts to expose his activities. God’s word makes plain to those who have light that Satan has an enormous influence in the lives of all the unconverted and sadly in the lives of many of those converted to Christ but who do not currently walk in the light. But all of these who Satan constantly influences for evil are largely unaware that Satan exists let alone is a dominant factor in their lives. Why? Because Satan is the master deceiver, and able to remain anonymous in the lives of those with whom he proceeds to steal and to kill and to destroy (John 10:10). Hence: Luke 21:8 (Jesus) “Take heed that you not be deceived…” Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived… James 1:16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. These are multiple warnings, not to the world that is completely deceived, but to us Christians who also have the potential of likewise being deceived by the great deceiver: Isa 14:12-17 How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer…You who weakened the Nations…Who made the world as a wilderness And destroyed its cities, Who did not open the house of his prisoners. Rev 12:9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world… Eph 2:2-3 AMP In which at one time you walked habitually. You were following the course and fashion of this world…following the prince of the power of the air. You were obedient to and under the control of the demon spirit that still constantly works in the sons of disobedience…Among these we as well as you once lived and conducted ourselves in the passions of our flesh, our behavior governed by our corrupt and sensual nature, obeying the impulses of the flesh and the thoughts of the mind…we were then by nature children of God's wrath…like the rest of mankind. The extent of our ignorance of Satan’s operations shows how successful he’s been with us, The scripture makes clear that Christians were all once under the influence of Satan as everyone else is without exception and, we like they, did not know that we were. Why? Because this master concealer operates through thoughts that he imparts into our thought lives, that we in our ignorance falsely assume to be our own thoughts. These are what the scripture calls the fiery darts of the enemy, thoughts which only the faith that comes from an active, deepening relationship with God can extinguish or take captive. 2 Cor 2:11 Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices (the same greek word translated devices is translated as thought in) 2 Cor 10:5 …Bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery(thought) darts of the wicked one. Satan’s principal weapons are thoughts, and are the major source of all evil in the world! Not just thoughts of overt wickedness, but also more subtle thoughts that have the superficial appearance of rightness about them. But they’re thoughts designed to divert us from a full surrender to Christ and to challenge the authority of God’s words to us, just like he did with Adam and Eve. Satan can’t force his will on us, for we have a will and a conscience, but if we don’t know how to discern his influence he’s bound to have some control in our thought lives, particularly with respect to God. It shouldn’t surprise us therefore to learn that Satan, as the great concealer, can disguise the nature of his thoughts so that they appear to us to be both truth and light: 2 Cor 11:14 …Even Satan can disguise himself to look like an angel of light! TEV 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (consume with his thoughts). What are some examples of Satan disguising himself and his thoughts, which he imparts to people, as right and illuminating thoughts? Since there is only one mediator between God and all men, Jesus Christ (1 Tim 2:5) Satan inspires all the other, seemingly right, religions to divert those he can deceive from becoming Christians. Then within the Church he sows the thought seeds of many, seemingly right, Christian teachings. But they are all false teachings that oppose God and keep Christians from being fully saved and eternally secure. 1 Tim 4:1 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that…some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. NLT Therefore, 1 Tim 4:16 Watch your life and doctrine (teaching) closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. He is able to get away with these deceptions because all of the false doctrines that contradict God, that he imparts through thoughts, like - “the inevitability of sin”; “God is in control anyway”; “I can’t lose my salvation” – These teachings all have a strong appeal to and give license to our sinful human nature, Inevitability of sin, 1 Jn 3:8 The one who practices sin is of (belongs to) the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the (sin) works of the devil. Matt 1:21 …you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sin. Rm 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you… NKJV God in control, Matt 6:10 Your kingdom come, your will be done (because it is being hindered by the kingdom of darkness), on earth as it is in heaven. Can’t lose my salvation, Heb 6:4 …bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened, those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come, and who then turn away from God. NLT As Christians we do not have to be deceived, provided we grow and walk in God’s light, God has made it possible for every Christian to see through the deceptions of Satan and continue to walk in the light and not be snared by the subtle works of darkness. God’s two principal requirements to do this are: (1) A heart or spirit that remains tender toward God and receives daily the engrafting of more of God’s light giving words, and (2) A willingness to submit to and do God’s will and thereby remain under the leading and control of the Holy Spirit. Only such Christians as continue to hear and obey God’s voice, God speaking through His word and by His Spirit, and don’t listen to Satan’s thoughts or voice. John 10:4-5 And when He (The Chief Shepherd) brings out His own sheep...the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger (Satan) but will flee from him for they do not know the voice (thoughts) of strangers... 1 John 2:26-27 These things I have written to you (God’s word) concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing (Holy Spirit) which you have received from Him abides in you and…teaches you all things, and is true, and is not a lie… Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God (your spirit clothed with the protective truth of God’s words), that you may be able to stand against the wiles (deceits) of the devil. In particular Satan imparts thoughts that contradict the true teaching that every believer in Christ needs to be baptized with and remain full of and under the control of the Holy Spirit. Because the Holy Spirit is the only One who can cause the word of God to become truth and light in the hearts of believers and so expose all of Satan’s works of darkness. Acts 19:2 Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? Matt 3:11 …He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit… Eph 5:18 …be filled (continually) with Spirit… Rm 8:14 …as many as are led (under the control of) by the Spirit, these are the children of God. Satan does not want to be known, but God wants to be known, He is the great revealer, 1 Cor 2:9-14 ….No (natural) mind has conceived the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us by His Spirit…that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God…But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God…nor can he know them, for they are spiritually discerned (revealed by God’s Spirit to a person’s re-born spirit). Matt 11:25 …Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes” (to those spiritually born again and willing to grow up in spirit). Col 1:26-27 The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known…this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Everywhere in scripture our loving and redeeming Father makes indisputably clear His eagerness to reveal Himself to the hearts or spirits, but not to the intellects, of anyone who will allow Him to do so. This of course is the absolute worst thing from Satan’s standpoint and he will do everything possible to conceal this truth. He wants to stop people becoming Christians, and then if they do, to stop them becoming true disciples of Christ. Since they, with Christ actively living in them, will make others of his captives into Christ’s disciples too. Although Jesus Christ defeated Satan at Calvary he still controls the world and most of the Church because of their ignorance of his devices. And what is God doing? He is regaining control one soul at a time, as each soul turns at His correction so that He can make Himself known to their hearts by the Holy Spirit and through His word. 2 Tim 2:24-26 …the servant of the Lord must not strive (quarrel); but be gentle to all men (people), able to teach, patient, in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if perhaps God may grant them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth, And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. NKJV Prov 1:23 Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out My Spirit on you; I will make My words known to you (to make you holy as He is holy and to expose the beguiling thoughts of Satan). Jn 16:33 Jesus, These things I have spoken unto you (the truths in this message!)…In the world you shall have tribulation (trouble, because of the world, our own flesh, and the Devil), but be of good cheer; I have overcome (All your enemies!)… NKJV Thank you Father for revealing the truth and for making a way for us to be more than conquerors, and to always triumph “in Christ”, Amen!
  20. Here is a study I have been working on. Woe, Woe, woe. Revelation uses woes as markers or time stamps. The trumpets, seals and bowls are grouped within the 3 woes. The word Alas is translated from the same word in the Greek that is Woe. I have also noticed the great earthquake is always around the resurrection. There was a great earthquake when Christ was resurrected and there was an earthquake when the two witness were brought back to life. Revelation 8:13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound! 1st woe devil is cast out and tribulation starts. Revelation 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. Revelation 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. Matthew 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 2nd woe resurrection/rapture. Babylon is judged. Matthew 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Revelation 9:12 One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter. Revelation 11:14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. Revelation 11:13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. Revelation 16:18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. Revelation 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; Revelation 9:13 And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, Revelation 11:11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. Revelation 18:10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. Revelation 18:16 And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! Revelation 18:19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. Revelation 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. Revelation 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held 3rd woe God's wrath Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. Revelation 6::17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
  21. I think that as Christian's, we too can be "in the spirit" like John in the book of Revelation. It is when you have a lot of faith and in this time a lot of God's revelations (things that will happen) come to us. The book of Revelation has this title because of this - it was revealed to John how things will be. A good way to get a lot of faith is to read your bible for a long period of time maybe an hour on an occasion - you cannot do this all the time but you should daily read your bible for shorter periods. Get an enjoyable version that is fun to encourage you to do this (I like the Message and/or the ESV - English Standard Version): Faith is our link to God so having a link in faith enables Him to reveal things to us through what is like a telephone line that has been setup. Read your favourite bible version and pray to God like you are having a conversation with Him whilst you are having a coffee - who knows, you might end up having a chat, coming closer to someone who loves you more than you could ever know and therefore making Him very happy. Make sure you use wisdom with your faith though so you can discern away mis-leading spirits that may effect the conversation. This is noise and interference on the telephone line. Shalom
  22. "Then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine, and olive oil. I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied." - Deuteronomy 11:14-15 Many of us have recently undergone an intense time with a lot of warfare and opposition. However, even amidst the very opposition we may have experienced, the Lord was strengthening us. We will be found coming up out of our wilderness season, leaning on our Beloved (see Song of Songs 8:5). His desire during that time was to prepare and establish us for the new oil and abundance that He is getting ready to pour out. PREPARED FOR THE NEW The Lord does not waste our pain. Through the stretching and trials we have endured, we have been made stronger. We are now prepared for the "new" that He is ready to entrust us with. Mark 2:22 says that, "No one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins." We are becoming new wineskins in this very hour in order that we may be able to contain the new, fresh wine and steward the increase well. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life" - Proverbs 13:12. The Lord is reviving weary hearts back to life, and He is healing hope deferred. The hardness of the previous season has lifted, and we entering into a time of singing and rejoicing! "See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, My darling; My beautiful one, come with Me" - Song of Songs 2:11-13. The Lord sends rains that will wash away the pain, weariness, and heartache from the previous seasons that you've experienced. "You gave abundant showers, O God; You refreshed Your weary inheritance. Your people settled in it, and from Your bounty, God, You provided for the poor" - Psalm 68:9-10. "Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard." - Isaiah 58:8 Many have continued to stand and contend for God's promises even in the midst of great, personal pain and misunderstanding. "Lift your eyes, O weary ones, for your redemption, draws near" - Luke 21:28b. Not for a moment has the Lord left your side or forsaken you. The Lord is our burden bearer, and even now, He is breaking chains that have sought to keep us bound. Our Father is removing those heavy burdens that have weighed down His children. Be encouraged! Our Savior has seen every tear that you have ever cried, and He is rushing on the scene like a mighty warrior. "Yahweh is a warrior, Yahweh is His Name" Exodus 15:3. The Lord is strong and mighty in battle. He is bringing His beloved Bride into a season of rest, peace, and great refreshing. For where you were previously not able to let down because of the consistent battle, now you will be able to rest and drink deeply of the Lord's abundant peace. He, Himself, is fighting for you! REFINED BY FIRE, REFRESHED BY RAINS You have come through the fire of the last season, forged and refined like the gold, and you are about ready to see and experience the Lord's goodness like never before! What He is about ready to release in your life will bring you such joy and restoration that you will say, "How could I have doubted the Lord's great goodness and love for me, even for a moment?" After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before (see Job 42:10). "Those who have sown in tears are about to reap much joy" - Psalm 126:5. "And Elijah said to Ahab, 'Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain'" - 1 Kings 18:41. The Lord is sending the sweet, rains of abundance. Listen closely, do you hear it? ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com
  23. 2 Corinthians 3:18 - "But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit." WE ARE TO BE TRANSFORMED "FROM GLORY TO GLORY." THIS INDICATES AN UNFOLDING PROCESS TO CHANGE US INTO HIS IMAGE. THIS IS NOT A PROCESS THAT WE CAN ENGINEER OR CONTROL, BUT IT IS "FROM THE LORD, THE SPIRIT." WE SUBMIT TO IT BY "BEHOLDING THE GLORY OF THE LORD." AS WE BEHOLD HIS GLORY, WE WILL BE CHANGED INTO HIS IMAGE. WHEN WE FALL INTO THE TRAP OF TRYING TO CHANGE OURSELVES, IT RESULTS IN LOOKING AT OURSELVES INSTEAD OF HIM. THIS WILL INEVITABLY LEAD TO THE BLACK HOLE OF SELF-CENTEREDNESS. EVEN AFTER WE ARE BORN AGAIN INTO THE LORD TRANSFORMATION NEEDS TO TAKE PLACE IN OUR LIVES. AS WE KEEP OUR ATTENTION ON HIM, WE WILL CHANGE, EVEN IF WE ARE OFTEN UNAWARE OF IT. Matthew 22:29 - "You are wrong because you know neither the scriptures nor God's power." In this passage, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their ignorance of the scriptures and God's power. What was the cause? They didn't allow the scriptures to lead them to God. They didn't understand......not really understand. The word "know" in this passage speaks of "personal experience." They tried to learn apart from such an experience. Their study didn't lead them to an encounter with God. It became an end in itself. Christianity is not a philosophy; it is a relationship. It's the "God encounter" that makes the concepts powerful. We must require this of ourselves. How? We must seek until we find. We must be moved with the love of God to the point that we seek His face until we are "clothed with power from on high!" Luke 11:10 - "For everyone who asks and keeps on asking receives; and he who seeks and keeps on seeking finds; and to him who knocks and keeps on knocking, the door will be opened." AMP Psalm 141:3 - "Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." Affirmation: THE WORLD IS LIKE A RUSHING RIVER, PULLING AT ME, TRYING TO GET ME TO FLOW WITH IT. I MAKE THE DECISION TODAY TO PADDLE UPSTREAM AGAINST THE CURRENT BY SPEAKING GOD'S WORD INTO MY LIFE. Proverbs 4:20 - "My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com
  24. “It’s not just that we don’t know our Bible but that we have so fragmented, dissected, and compartmentalized the Bible that we have lost sight of its great overarching story.” Hugh Whelchel i Occasionally I ask myself, what motivates me to write. In response, I would have to say it's religious opposition and a deeply seated desire to see the church walking in truth. The idea of walking in truth, in my mind, means a church that is trained appropriately in the Word. I don't see that happening at any of the churches I have been a part of. An aspect of that opposition recently occurred as a “brother” in Christ, told a friend of mine, that I believe life has to be one-way, mine. Have you read any of my posts? Do I present myself like that? Hardly, I attempt to show God's word as the only basis for truth, and, in a manner that people can understand. I suppose, to some degree, that means adding my commentary to what I write in an effort to promote understanding, but leaving the decision-making process to the reader, as they accept or reject God's word. With that understanding you are not rejecting me, you are denying God's truth and mercy, as you refuse what God's word says. Elijah, the prophet, bemoaned his situation and cried out that he was alone in Israel. 1 Kings 19:9-10 NASB Then he came there to a cave and lodged there; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 10) He said, "I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." And yes, that is the way I feel some days. God's response. 1 Kings 19:18 NASB "Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him." I realize that I am not alone, but the number of those who are passionate about God are few. I am fortunate to sit with a few of them on a weekly basis. Having had someone say of me, “he believes it has to be, his way or no way,” is somewhat like a slap in my face, and I can tell you I am highly intolerant of actions like that. So, why would someone say something like that about me? Perhaps it is because I am very passionate about truth and God's word. Sending everyone to hell at the Great White Throne has nothing to do with truth; it merely demonstrates how adamant this man is about judgment, something we are to leave to Jesus, [especially since ALL judgment has/or will be given to Him.] The Apostle Paul was not put off by the scholars of the Berean community. In fact, he thought highly of them. This body of believers did their research and found that Torah and Tanakh validated what Paul was saying. Having legitimized Paul's statements they believed. When you consider the limited resources, these men had, our accolades for them should be even more significant. Let me give you an example of what this opposition to, and the rejection of, the truth looks like. The man who leads the Monday morning study, once again pointed out that he was an ordained Bible study leader, not a pastor. As the leader, he has just about every week, exclaimed that everyone brought to the Great White Throne judgment is sent to hell. If you are a reasonable student of the Bible you should be asking, is that a correct statement? The answer is NO, but why would you know that? Because you have read the Word of God, as you should; you looked at the context; compared alternate texts and scenarios, and, like a hungry pet who has, awaited you to come home so they can eat, chewed on and ingested every word so that you could understand the depth and meaning of the Greek words being used and their Hebrew origins. But here is where the problem lays, as statistically, no one does that? The statistical work I am going to show you were undertaken by Lifeway Research in 2014. Here is an excerpt from Christianity Today.ii “Some Stats to Consider Bible Reading Americans read the Bible on occasion—churchgoers a little more. In a recent LifeWay Research study, we learned the following about our Bible reading habits among church attendees. They indicated that they read their Bible as follows: 19% - Every day 26% - A few times a week 14% - Once a week 22% - At least once a month 18% - Rarely or never. There are a couple of interesting takeaways from this study. Almost 60% of churchgoers open our Bibles at home during the week at least once. And for every person who is reading his/her Bible every day (19%), someone isn’t… at all (18%).” Do you think, in this condition of apostasy, that the numbers would improve any as time progresses? I was pondering this idea before pulling up the statistical information. My guess/estimate would have been about 20% of the “church” actually reading their Bibles every day. But even then I could see a problem with that number because I sit with some of these 20% per-centers, and know for a fact that they will not move off their traditional interpretations and understandings regardless of what you show them in scripture. Are you beginning to see a problem? Illiteracy has no option but to run rampant through the church; And, it is not just the church. I just read yesterday, 5/10/2018, that schools have found they are going to have to take down the analog clocks on the schoolhouse walls and replace them with digital clocks because no one can read them. Let's go back to the significant false teaching of the morning “bible” study – how that everyone coming before the Great White Throne goes to a fiery hell. The first question is: how does one study the Bible? It seems to me that everyone should know how to do this; in truth, I had to learn how. Every student should: Read the text without a premise. As you read ask, what is this passage supposed to be saying to me? Do not merely assume that the teacher standing before you, saying things like, “What Paul is saying here,” is the truth. [Here is a heads up. Paul, a former Pharisee, a man who was very skillful at what he did, had no problem speaking to JEWS, about this new life and grace found in Christ. This is the case as Saul/Paul spoke about the Hebrew wording within the Law and the Prophets and pointed out the evidence in those words, which led to an understanding, in those who chose to listen, that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah they longed for. Paul made it clear that our acceptance of Yahshua brought about this life and the hope we have come to understand.] The idea of reading without a premise can be applied to my pastor's sermons since he has a motive and a point to be made. In pushing his motive, he has created a premise and is working to make the scriptures fit his premise. These directed efforts often work in opposition to my understanding of Bible study. Look at the context. An example of this applies to what I am going to analyze momentarily – Matthew 25, where we see the sheep and the goats at the throne of judgment. The context surrounding this word picture begins in Matthew 21, when Jesus rides into Jerusalem, on the back of an unridden donkey – the Rolls Royce of the day, and He is perceived as the Messiah Israel hoped for. Unfortunately, He did not do what the disciples, nor the people expected, as He overturned the sellers tables, chairs, and loosed their merchandise where they had been selling, in the court of the Gentiles. And then, Jesus got into a verbal confrontation with the elders and Pharisees. All this activity shook the disciples and prompted them to ask, “when will all these things come to pass, and what will be the sign of your coming as the Messiah. I am always analyzing the scriptures even as the pastor speaks. I examine the context and what the interlinear Greek or Hebrew dictionary says the words mean. Occasionally, the pastor is preaching in opposition to what the words mean. As a side note: Pastor and I had a bad moment one day, as he challenged me about my intensive focus on end times and the eschatology books of the Bible. In his indictment of me, he said, “Notice how in my sermons, I present the gospel in a manner that brings about change in people.” I try not to overthink the pastor's words that day, but isn't that what the Word of God is supposed to do, change people? Look for a comparative text. Many of the Calvary Chapel pastors, like Don Stewart or the late Chuck Smith, used to say, “allow scripture to define scripture.” What does that mean? As I read the Revelation, I see where John, on two occasions, in speaking to the churches, uses the term the Synagogue (Rev 2:9, Rev 3:9.) Why is this significant? Because John, was not writing in code as some would ascribe, he was writing to Jewish converts/followers of Christ. And therefore, spoke in a language they would immediately understand. Greek, of course, was one aspect of this language but the other carried the oral history and word stories from the Old Testament. The evidence for this is rather extensive and is demonstrated in the writings of James (James 2:2) and the Apostle Paul. Read Acts 18. In every city we find Paul entering the local Synagogue and preaching. For over fifteen years Paul preached, almost exclusively, to Jews. It was only after years of abuse at the hands of religious Jews that Paul finally said, and I am taking this message to the Gentiles. The Apostle John, James, Peter, and Paul focused their attention on the Jewish community. Peter, although he had a brief exchange with the Roman Centurion's family, maintained, as did James and John, a focus on Jews. [Read Paul's account in Galatians 2,] Many of these believed for years that this gospel of Jesus was meant exclusively for Jews. Peter, in 2 Peter 3:10 says, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.” NASB This passage has clear and definite associations with Isaiah 13:9; Jeremiah 46:10 among others. In conjunction with the idea of comparative texts, was the indication that everything, aside from direct revelation from the Holy Spirit, came out of the Torah and Tanakh. Paul's letters; James words on wisdom, and the Revelation that John conveyed, all came from the Old Testament. We can put this idea of comparative texts into action where Revelation speaks of a multi-headed beast with crowns and horns (Revelation 13:1). This imagery is found in multiple locations but primarily in the words of the prophet Daniel (Daniel 7:7). Matthew 25:31-45, where we see the sheep and goats, is a comparative text. The words Jesus spoke were in response to questions His Jewish disciples ask him, and those words made sense to a Jewish audience. If you had been a student in Synagogue school you were expected to memorize the Old Testament teachings. Therefore, one might expect that these people were looking for these events to happen. Try to take in as much of the background wording into consideration as you can. When I look at Matthew 25:31-45 in the NASB, the segment that speaks of the sheep and goats carries the headline, The Final Judgment. That headline in itself gives me nothing of value except as a reference point. If I were looking for a direct association to the final judgment, there is nothing within these verses that define this explicitly by using that terminology. Can I find an inference of final judgment in verse 31? Matthew 25:31 NASB "But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. Here you see the Son of Man coming in His glory. This is the same Jesus that Stephen saw, as he stood before the Jewish council (Acts 7:55-56,) and it is the same Jesus that Daniel saw in Daniel 7:13. And, He will sit on His glorious throne. There is a passage in Joel 3:12 that would cause the audience listening to the speaker that day to take note. Joel 3:12 LITV Let the nations be awakened and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat. For there I will sit to judge all the nations all around. This passage in Joel can easily be associated with the judgment we are about to see in Matthew 25. These two points alone do not convince me, as we see Jesus coming in Revelation 19 prior to Him being seated for judgment, and, there is no account of Him sitting upon His throne in Revelation 19. To be honest, I have to stretch my mind a bit to see the final judgment. However, if I look at the next verse, the finality suddenly becomes clearer, especially if I have an understanding of Joel 3:12. [Mat 25:32 And before Him shall be gathered all the nations;] There is only one glorious throne. Is this the same throne that we see in Revelation? We have to look at Revelation 20:11 and see if there is something here that matches. Revelation 20:11 NASB Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. A great white throne Our only references to a white throne come from 1 Kings 10:18 and 2Ch 9:17, and they are effectively the same story 1 Kings 10:18 NASB Moreover, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with refined gold. Ezekiel tells us what he saw, Ezekiel 1:26 NASB Now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something resembling a throne, like lapis lazuli in appearance; and on that which resembled a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man. lapis lazuli - Sapphire - Clear heavenly blue. Apparently, the color is insignificant. In 1Kings 10:18 it is clear that this is a great throne, and in Daniel 7:9 Daniel sees the throne as being fiery flames. Although you don't see this happening in Matthew 25, Revelation 20:7-8 tells us that after the thousand years, Satan is released from his prison and he deceives the nations. Those nations, in turn, surround the city of God in an attempt to kill God and His people. Those gathered are killed in an instant. The next event scripture shows us is the gathering of the nations, or, as Matthew 25 puts it, the dead are brought before this great throne. Although my methods of sorting out what I read, and disseminating the false teachings I hear, might be different than what you learn in seminary, they work for me. You also just got the added benefit of some insight into a false teaching that seems to enjoy sending all who approach the throne of judgment, to hell. A serious look at scripture will demonstrate that such a teaching is blatantly false and damaging to our understanding of who God is. iThe Church’s Secret: Biblical Illiteracy in the 21st Century, Hugh Whelchel, writing for the Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics. March 13, 2017. https://tifwe.org/the-churchs-secret-biblical-illiteracy-in-the-21st-century/ iiBiblical Illiteracy by the Numbers Part 1: The Challenge https://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2014/october/biblical-illiteracy-by-numbers.html
×
×
  • Create New...